As a member of the Air Force you’ll become part of a team that plays an integral role in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, both within Australia and around the world. Here are some examples of some recent Air Force deployments and exercises.
Operation CATALYST was the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the US-led Multinational Force effort to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs. The Air Force contribution included a logistics support team which worked tirelessly to ensure that all the vital supplies coming into the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) reached those who needed it most. An Air Force Air Load Team also worked with the Joint Movements Coordination Centre (JMCC), providing support in the areas of security, including dangerous goods.
Operation PANDANG ASSIST commenced in October of 2009 following two large earthquakes near the Indonesian Island of Sumatra. Air Force Air Load Team personnel based at Padang’s Minangkabau International Airport as part of the ADF Joint Task Force worked day and night to unload over 250 tonnes of supplies and equipment from over 120 Australian and multinational aircraft in the first week of Operation Padang Assist.
Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to assist the Government of Timor Leste. The Joint Task Force has assisted with the evacuation of Australian and other foreign nationals, and is creating a secure environment for the conduct of successful dialogue to resolve the current crisis. Approximately 1500 ADF personnel are directly supporting the operation, including members of the Air Force, working with other Australian Government agencies to assist the Government of Timor Leste to restore peace.